Bayern Munich have lost a Champions League group stage match for the first time in many years. But for coach Vincent Kompany, it is a familiar experience. When he was in charge of Burnley last season, Kompany's team lost 24 Premier League games, including twice to Aston Villa.
This was Kompany's first defeat as head coach of the "Gray Tigers". And this was also the Belgian strategist's third defeat against Villa in just 14 months. Unai Emery was one of the coaches considered by Bayern after announcing Thomas Tuchel's departure.
Emery's experience in European competition helped Villa defeat a Bayern side in good form. Remember, the Spanish "captain" has had 189 matches in his coaching career in European cups.
Emery's attention to detail completely defeated Kompany, with Bayern's high defensive line constantly threatened by Villa's pacey and powerful players such as Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran.
Kompany had a much better bench than Emery. Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Joao Palhinha, Matthys Tel and Leon Goretzka were brought on, while Thomas Muller, Raphael Guerreiro and Eric Dier were left out. Perhaps Kompany should not have replaced Michael Olise. As for Musiala, the young German was not used until the second half, although Kompany explained that he was ill.
Kompany began his reign at the Allianz Arena with six straight wins and 29 goals, and his first Champions League game as a manager ended in a 9-2 win. However, Bayern have a habit of winning big against weaker opponents over the years.
As a result, Bayern managers are often judged by the more decisive games. And Kompany's toughest week so far has been his worst. Bayern drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen and lost 0-1 to Villa. In fact, they were fully capable of winning both of those games.
Kompany’s job is not just to beat the weaker teams, but also to subdue coaches of the calibre of Alonso and Emery. In a sense, Kompany is following in Tuchel’s footsteps. Last season, Bayern lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League thanks to a super-sub in Joselu.
But it was the semi-finals. They were two minutes away from the final. The bar was set high. Bayern had played four games against English opposition last season, beating Manchester United home and away, drawing with Arsenal and winning the second leg of their quarter-final in Bavaria.
"If you don't take your chances, this can happen. We had good chances but didn't score. We were careless in one situation and Aston Villa scored from that situation.
I can understand the situation of the opponent and this is a special evening for them" - Kompany said after the loss to Villa.
From managing a team accustomed to losing, every defeat now puts the pressure on Kompany. The past few days have been an overwhelming experience for the Belgian.
